Council consults on removing taxi driver knowledge test

Councillors have agreed to hold a consultation which could see the end of a street knowledge test for taxi drivers in Aberdeen.

Under current rules anyone seeking a licence as a taxi or private hire driver in the city has to sit the test.

Some claim it is outdated and it has been seen as a barrier for Uber operating in the city.

Taxi operators say no change is needed as the current system is working, with more than 100 new drivers joining in the past year.

The consultation will ask whether the test should remain for both taxi and private hire drivers, an amended test for private hire applicants is introduced or the test is removed for only private hire applicants.

The availability of taxis has in the past been described as a "real issue", but Aberdeen Taxis director Chris Douglas told BBC Scotland after Wednesday's meeting there had been an increase in drivers with "almost one thousand" taxis in the city.

He said: "It is perceived we need to get rid of this test because there are no taxis in Aberdeen but that number continues to grow.

"If you have done something that has been working it does not have to change.

"The important thing is retention, if you get a new driver you have to be able to keep them in work and it has to be sustainable, I find it strange that has not been discussed."

The idea of a consultation has been welcomed by city centre organisation Our Union Street.

Bob Keiller from the group said: "If you ask anyone who has been caught out waiting for a taxi they will tell you Aberdeen is not well enough served.

"In Aberdeen we have an extensive street knowlegde test that is not required in Glasgow or Edinbugh, it seems to me we are economically self-harming.

"Anybody who has been worried about the ability to get a taxi hopefully will speak up to voice their concerns."

Other changes being consulted on include merging the city centre taxi zone and the airport zone, which will allow city drivers to join the rank at the airport.

It is hoped the consultation will open in February, running through March.